Written questions

Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Fire Prevention

Commons · Question 77410 · Tabled 15 Sep 2025 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Official record

Answered 14 Oct 2025

Question

Asked by Vikki Slade

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of requiring Secretary of State sign-off for the cutting of firebreaks in Sites of Specific Scientific Interest during c

Answer

Answered by Mary Creagh, 14 Oct 2025

Consent for operations such as firebreaks on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) will need to be obtained from Natural England. However, when responding to an emergency, it is a “reasonable excuse” under the relevant section (section 28P(4)(b)) o...